How are Phentermine, Ozempic®, and Mounjaro® Different?

Trying to lose weight and hearing names like Phentermine, Ozempic®, or Mounjaro® tossed around?

Board-certified weight loss specialist, Dr. John Alevizos, is here to cut through all that confusion and give you the clarity you need at Alevizos Medical in Irvine, California.

With over 30 years of experience and a reputation for excellence in weight management, Dr. Alevizos knows what it takes to succeed.

Today's blog shares a simple breakdown to help you understand the top weight loss medications today.

Phentermine

Phentermine is an oral medication you take daily. It works by stimulating the central nervous system.

Phentermine increases levels of brain chemicals such as norepinephrine, which suppress appetite and signal the body to reduce hunger.

At the same time, it boosts metabolism slightly, helping your body burn more calories.

The result is reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure, so phentermine can support weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. 

Because it affects heart rate and blood pressure, it's typically prescribed short-term, and Dr. Alevizos monitors effects closely. This medication may not be right for people with high blood pressure, anxiety, or heart conditions.

Ozempic

Ozempic is a newer option, originally created to manage type 2 diabetes. It's a weekly injection that you administer at home yourself.

Ozempic mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 that helps regulate blood sugar and slows digestion. It helps control blood sugar and has the added benefit of keeping you feeling fuller for longer. Many people who take Ozempic find it easy to eat less without feeling hungry or deprived constantly.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is another injectable weekly medication, classified similarly to Ozempic. It was also created for type 2 diabetes patients, but is often used for weight management.

However, it differs from Ozempic in the fact that it emulates two hormones: GLP-1 and GIP.

This dual-action approach helps both appetite control and insulin sensitivity, making it especially helpful for people dealing with insulin resistance or metabolic issues. 

Like Ozempic, it has shown strong results in clinical studies. Recent studies have shown that patients who take Mounjaro are more likely to experience significant weight loss. Some studies have even found that Mounjaro may be up to three times more effective for weight loss compared to Ozempic.

Which weight loss drug is right for you?

So, which is right for you? That depends on your unique health picture. Your metabolism, hormone levels, medical history, and lifestyle all play a role in how your body responds. 

At Alevizos Medical, Dr. Alevizos and our team do a deep dive into your health. We pinpoint the problems that may hinder your body's ability to burn fat efficiently, such as prediabetes, insulin resistance, or thyroid dysfunction, first. 

By identifying these less obvious barriers, we move beyond generic weight loss advice and develop a customized plan that’s aligned with your specific health profile. 

This targeted, medically informed approach gives your body the support it needs to respond and keeps you on a path toward lasting change. For many patients, one of these medications can play an essential role in that path to success.

Phone our office at 949-916-3600 to schedule your consultation at Alevizos Medical in Irvine, California.